Foreword

Introduction

Articles

Embracing Yule
Cordelia Deeter

A Yule Journey into the Shadow
Crystal Blanton

Spirit of the GiveAway
Anemone Webweaver

Peace and Plenty
Lark

In Search of a Yule Log
Johanna Lawson

Snowflake Exercise
Mark Carter

It’s Complicated
Patricia Busbee

The Lessons of Winter
Patrick McCleary

Winter Solstice in South Florida
Rosa Sophia

Yule in the Green Room
Seba O’Kiley

Snow
Kayla Nelson

Easy Recipes for Rose Petal and Fruit Tea
Ms. Lilypads

Cerridwen’s Cave
Siren Willow

Bringing Back the Sun
Lady Eva Michenet

Child of Promise
Tina Chandler

Totality
Johanna Lawson

Poetry

Winter Solstice
Adam Ranger

From Maiden to Mother
Lilac Wolf

The Pomegranate in Winter
Ashley Hunter

Woodland Stream at Yuletide
W. William Melnyk

The Forest Glade
Audrey ‘Stormy’ Haney

The Wild Hunt
Carol Browne

Holly Green and Berries Red
Phiona Hutton

Midwinter
Geraldine Moorkens Byrne

Dawn in December
Gwyneth

The Dreamer, the Winter Solstice, and Bach’s Toccata and Fugue In D Minor
PanOrpheus

Winter Solstice Morning
Kallan Kennedy

The snow is falling softly upon the ground
Phiona Hutton

Yule at the Court of Maeve
Geraldine Moorkens Byrne

Snowflakes
Morgan Daimler

On Solstice Yule
Nissa Shuvani

Yule
Lady Raokhsha

Turning the Wheel of the Year
Ruby Lynx

Southern Yule
Seba O’Kiley

Yule Procession
W. William Melnyk

Midwinter Solstice Dream
Morgan Daimler

Yuletide deepens at this time of year
Phiona Hutton

Songs

Winter Solstice Story
Anemone Webweaver

Cast that Spell
Kyrja

Cel-e-brate!
Kyrja

Fresh Cat Nip
Kyrja

Silver Cups
Kyrja

Solstice Night
Kyrja

Short Stories

Coyote Yule
A.M. Burns

Cauldron Born
Solna Blanchard

Yule Fire
Stephen B. Pearl

The Longest Night
Toni Rakestraw

Contributors

Foreword

Growing up, Christmas wasn’t anything to get excited about or a reason to celebrate. We didn’t have lights, we didn’t have a tree, and we certainly didn’t get any gifts. Christmas was a time of getting two weeks off from school. I even remember how, through logical deduction and argument, I convinced a grade school friend that Santa Claus could not possibly exist. It was impossible for anyone to fly around the world in one night and deliver toys to good Christian girls and boys. Her childhood innocence shattered, this schoolmate ran home sobbing. Yes, I could be a regular Wednesday Addams.

The resulting backlash to this was that this girl’s mother called my mother. Of course my mom asked me my side. I told her. My mom then told the other mom, “Of course Karen doesn’t believe in Santa Claus, we’re Jewish.” Click.

A decade or so later, I was introduced to Wicca and discovered Yule, and now, decades past that, I have a husband and a son, and Yule is our most beloved of Sabbats.

Finally, a girl raised in a Jewish home, who always secretly loved the spectacle and secular meaning of Christmas, could finally celebrate it, as it originally was – as Yule. Better yet, everything now had meaning because what we Wiccans celebrated was what Christianity had originally usurped and slapped over onto another Pagan holiday – the Persian Sun God Mithras’ birthday, which was held on December 25th.

Yule is Norse in origins. Everything about the Christmas holiday – barring the Jesus bits – is from the Norse. From the Yule tree, lights, Yule log and presents, to the twelve days of celebration, feasting and Santa Claus, it’s all Pagan, all Norse. (Before Santa was recreated by Coke-Cola into red and white, Santa was a green and white saintly version of Odin. Yes, Odin.) There is a Pagan meaning to Yule that I had believed was lost, but never truly was. I only had to find it.

Yule is also very important to me. It was at this time of year, many decades ago, that I was initiated a Priestess and Witch. Since then, Yule has come to signify my acceptance into a new spiritual family.

Almost twenty years later, heading my own spiritual and blood families, Yule has come to mean so much more. Santa/Odin still comes and visits, leaving my son a gift. I’m not going to burst my son’s bubble of belief in Santa/Odin, because I, too, now believe in magic and the Gods.

My son is learning about Yule as a Pagan/Wiccan holiday where we get together with our spiritual family and friends. We celebrate the way the Norse may have; with a Sumbel. There is nothing more magical than sitting around in a circle with those you love, drinking from the mead horn, as Oaths, boasts, and toasts are made before each other and the Gods.

Therefore, I Oath that you, dear reader, will enjoy this book, I boast that I was asked to write this Foreword, and I toast to Angie for taking on the incredible endeavour of this anthology.

Wassail!

Karen Dales
Award Winning Author
http://www.karendales.com
“The Chosen Chronicles”
Yule 2011

Introduction

The volume you hold in your hands is the collective works of 34 outstanding Pagan authors. It contains a variety of articles, poetry, songs, and short stories to celebrate the holiday we call Yule or the Winter Solstice. Yule is the longest night of the year, when we invite the return of the newborn son, the God, and plan for the coming seasons. We hope you will enjoy the words that have been gathered within.

All of the authors and editors who have done such a wonderful job bringing it all together in writing, creating, editing, and designing have done so out of love for the written word and to support a growing organization called the Pagan Writers Community (PWC). All proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to further the mission of PWC. Thank you for your gracious donation!

The Pagan Writers Community seeks to educate, inspire, and promote artists, authors, bloggers, musicians, poets, and writers who follow alternative-faith spiritual and religious paths. At this time, this is achieved through The PWC’s social media presence on Facebook, the PWC blog, and our Featured Authors program. The PWC hopes to add online classes, an anti-illiteracy campaign, promotion of local authors at live events, and eventually, host an annual conference, all of which will be made possible through the sale of these books.

From the staff here at Pagan Writers Press, we want to wish you and your family and loved ones a blessed Yule of prosperity and happiness for the coming seasons.

For more information about the Pagan Writers Community, you can find their blog at www.paganwriters.com or search for their page on Facebook.

Articles

Embracing Yule

by Cordelia Deeter

The Holiday Season is a magical time for most everyone, whether you celebrate Christmas, Yule, Hanukah, Kwanza or some other observance. From the earliest memories of my childhood, the anticipation of waiting for Santa Claus was one of the major events of the year. Preparation for this holiday started the day after Thanksgiving, when I would bake with my mother and grandmothers. The family recipe for fruitcake required at least four weeks of aging to ensure the proper taste and texture by Christmas. Dozens upon dozens of cookies were baked and stored in tins in our kitchen closet. Special candies were made as well. I was often caught sneaking a few of these treats before the official celebrations.

Our celebration revolved around both Santa and The Nativity. At that time, my parents were very active in the church. They sang in the adult choir, and I was part of the children’s choir. Christmas Eve, for the most part, was spent at church. My mother would have punch and cookies in the dining room for folks to stop by in between the services. After the midnight service, we would come home for a snack before bed, but our tradition was that I would open one gift before going to bed. This was usually a new holiday nightgown that I would immediately put on. A generous plate of cookies and a glass of milk was prepared for Santa, with carrots for the reindeer. Then, it was time to try to sleep.

Christmas Day arrived! Like most children, I would be wide awake very early that morning. I woke my parents so we could see what treasures were waiting under the tree for us. Mom worked into the early hours of Christmas morning preparing our meal, and the smell of turkey greeted us when we got downstairs. As the day went on, family and friends would join us for the celebration.

When I became a mother, I continued many of the family traditions and raised my girls in the church. Christmas, the Yule Season, continued pretty much the same, until I fully embraced my Pagan calling. By then, the girls were all grown, with only one still living at home. Once I had celebrated my Solitary Dedication, I wanted to embrace and celebrate the Sabbats. Come fall, it occurred to me that this was going to be a big change for Yule. I didn’t want to let the family down, knowing they had expectations for the Christmas holiday, but I also wanted to be true to myself and observe the Winter Solstice. I came to the realization it was the traditions they looked forward to more so than the religious aspect. Being together and enjoying the season is the main focus for our celebration, and it is possible to celebrate this season with an eclectic mix of beliefs in a family.

Christmas Dinner and Santa continue. I have encouraged all my children to follow the spiritual path that calls to them and not to force any one set of beliefs on the grandchildren. As a young mother, I did this with my kids, because I thought it was the right thing to do at the time. I am glad to see them deciding for themselves and following paths that fit their beliefs. For some, that means staying where they are, while others are exploring different paths. Some have no spiritual preference, and others have developed an interest in the path my husband and I are on. Diversity rules!

My husband and I celebrate Yule on the day of Winter Solstice. To start the celebration we light our Yule Log. This is followed by our ritual and meal. The celebration marks the returning light and welcomes the Sun King. It is a winter celebration that observes the birth of a Divine child. (This sounds familiar!) Celebrating the Goddess and Child at the Winter Solstice is mirrored by the veneration of Mary and Jesus at Christmas. I often wonder how many Christians understand the background of some of their celebrations. Numerous Pagan traditions, some predating Christianity, were adapted by the church and incorporated into the holidays they now celebrate.

Just as no one person celebrates Christmas exactly the same way, this is true for Yule, as well. Each celebration is a wonderfully unique experience. Even among Covens, I have seen a great difference in the way this and other Sabbats are observed. The common theme is recognition of the Winter Solstice and the return of the light, dominated by the sense of peace, love and joy.

The story of the Holly King and The Oak King is retold as part of our Solstice Celebration. Based on Celtic lore, these two Kings battle for power. This story is closely tied to the life of the trees for which they are named. During the summer months, the Oak Tree is dominant, fully dressed in leaves that hide the Holly. But when winter is at its height, the Oak stands bare and lifeless. It is the time for the Holly to revel in its splendor. But as we know, the Wheel of the Year turns, and each one will reign only six months before relinquishing power to the other. At Yule, I celebrate The Holly King as our Santa.

Pine, mistletoe and holly are symbols of fertility and used to “deck the halls” during the Yule Season. I love pine and the smell of it, but because I am allergic to it, I cannot bring real pine in the house. Instead I use ivy and boxwood in place of the pine as filler greens for my arrangements. I still can enjoy the lovely smell of pine with scented candles. Mistletoe, at least wild mistletoe, is not easy to come by here. I opt for the silk versions as opposed to the chemically treated stuff in the store. If you are lucky enough to find real mistletoe, hang it above the main door to your home. Leave it there until next Yule to bring good luck to your home throughout the year. Of course, you can steal a kiss or two while standing under it in the doorway!

Holly is certainly well represented in our decorations. Live holly from the nursery is my choice. Arrangements of the greenery of the season adds warmth to our home. Even our table reflects the seasonal symbols with holly bordering the china.

Bayberry is a traditional candle for me during Yule. My mother, though raised Christian, had her own beliefs, superstitions and practices outside of that religion. It was unheard of to not have Bayberry candles in the house for the holiday season. We lit the tapers on Christmas Eve and again on New Year’s Eve. The candles were left to burn to the socket of the holder. This was to bring good health and prosperity to the house in the year to come. I have continued this tradition, but I burn them on the night of The Winter Solstice and New Year’s Eve.

In truth, most of the things we did to celebrate Christmas are still done for Yule. The foods are basically the same. Baking traditional favorites and serving a feast of turkey and the trimmings continues to please those gathered around the table. Gifts are exchanged. Holiday movies and music are enjoyed. I drive the family crazy at my insistence of watching the marathon of A Christmas Story each year. Every television in the house is tuned in for this. It’s A Wonderful Life and Christmas Vacation must be seen at least five times. And what would the season be without watching White Christmas at least twice? My choice of seasonal music has always been Renaissance, Celtic and Ancient music, so most of my CD collection is made up of these as opposed to more religious songs. I have also added seasonal music from Pagan artists to compliment my musical library.

The most noticeable physical change was my style of decorating. At one time, angels danced on the tree branches, and Nativities on the shelves reflected the Christian theme of Christmas. My emphasis now is on the beauty of winter. Snowmen, icicles and snowflakes sparkle on the tree and bring a snowy touch to the tables and shelves. I have been adding to this collection and last year had enough to fill the mantel with snowmen. Santa figurines collected over the years also find a winter home on the shelves.

There is one thing, though, that I still put out that is tied to the Christian celebration. That is a Nativity that belonged to my great grandmother. My mother bought this for her in 1945, and it has been out every season since. As I put this on my dresser each year, I see it as a family tradition more than I do a religious symbol. It is a way to honor and remember my maternal line during the holiday season.

I used to trim every corner of the house as the girls were growing up and when the grandchildren were little. I have scaled back a bit. But over the weeks leading up to Yule, I tend to add a little here, then a little there, and next thing I know, I have pretty much decked the whole house once again.

The Sabbats and other special occasions are meant to be celebrated and enjoyed. I work very hard to make our celebrations special, even if some of them are just for the two of us now that the nest is empty. I think we have made a successful transition to the Pagan observance of Yule, while still respecting those who celebrate Christmas. All celebrations at this time of year echo peace, love and joy. How wonderful it would be if we lived every day with that mindset.

A Yule Journey into the Shadow

by Crystal Blanton

Sit among the circle glow
Crisp air generated by the snow
With candles burning, full of light
Yule is really the longest night
Balance of light and dark are out of sync
By spiritual means, we create the link
For the love of myself is what I seek
And to celebrate that with my family is at the peak

There are so many different aspects of the Yule season and so much is accomplished in a short period of time. The internal process that happens as the Wheel turns is often forgotten at this time of year, because there is so much commercialism and focus on presents, Santa Claus, decorations and food. The excitement of winter can create a feeling that is overwhelming, sidetracking us from the turning wheel and the shift that happens in the universe.

The dark half of the year is a time of inner reflection, a time of delving into the shadow side of yourself and working on the often hidden issues that creep into the forefront. This time often alludes to thoughts of isolation and going within one’s self. Yule, the longest night of the year, is the beginning of the turning tide within the universe that allows for an increase in the amount of light in the day. This constant progression leads to a point of balance between light and dark at the Spring Equinox, or Ostara.

Much like with the process of the labyrinth, the dark half of the year spirals inward after the Fall Equinox, Mabon, then comes back gradually until you reach the surface again in the light half. In using this analogy, it is important to recognize Yule as the center of the labyrinth where much work is done and preparation for the return trip begins. This is the moment of your journey where you have another opportunity to do the intense work, then release the pent up energy you have gathered right before your outward journey starts. In the labyrinth, each step outward is just as important, if not more, than the steps to the center. The journey to the surface is more important because it is not just about the journey you undertook but also about seizing the opportunity to implement the lessons that you learn in your journey. It is always of key importance to learn how to integrate your hard earned lessons into the fabric of your life.

This important distinction between the commercialized Yule/Winter/ Christmas time and the internal preparation for the coming light is at the heart of our religious experience as Wiccans and Pagans. The ability to be reborn is one that many of our belief systems hinge on; this is but another example. As the Sun God is reborn, our preparation is put into place, integration of journey is at an all time high and the coming light will push to a time of new growth. The rebirth of the God represents the excitement of the coming change, increase in light and a change to once again manifest your dreams.

How do you celebrate all these elements during such a popular season that is very demanding of time and money? A continuous dance to achieve balance is never-ending, and this time of year is a great example of the complexity of our spiritual path and the personal accountability that is required to live this in a continuous and fulfilling way.

I try to keep the spirit of the season in the forefront and practice intentional interactions with others. Part of this process includes planning and prep work on the front end so that I am not overwhelmed and swept up when the time happens. The more prepared I find myself, the more opportunity I have for self reflection and being spiritually in tune. The influx of Christian concepts are more prevalent at this time, and it is an even larger reason for me to enter this season as balanced as possible to allot for increased frustration, discussions and competing religious politics in society.

It is also important to create a culture of celebration for this season that encompasses your ethics and beliefs while setting boundaries of engagement with others. Everyone wants your time in the holiday season, and it can be frustrating and confusing when you have to be split a myriad of ways, with a myriad of celebrations. Making some decisions on how you will celebrate this season will help to regulate the over-abundance of celebrations that are pulling at your spare time. How are you going to practice in your home? How will you share with your family or extended family? What celebrations are you willing to go to and which ones are you willing to sacrifice to the Gods of precious time? In my own life, I would attend a company party or coven celebration before attending a distant relative’s gathering. I also know that I practice several different faiths in my home, and I have to prepare for celebrations on the 21st and the 25th. It is important for me to know these particular details when I am structuring my activities, money and time.

It is crucial to make time for yourself during this season and leave lots of room for self evaluation. Every opportunity of life breeds more options and chances for personal expansion. This time is especially important in opening doors that you might want or need to walk through later. You should never be too busy to take care of yourself or to feed your spiritual soul. The more you invest in your own spiritual practice, the more lessons and answers you are apt to gain. The shadow self is tricky and is not always open to examination. This makes the Yule time of the year exceptionally productive if you take the time to sit with yourself and gaze into the dark parts of your own shadow.

Celebrating all parts of yourself can allow you the chance to truly accept who you are and set goals for who you are to become. What better gift to give to yourself and to those you love? If I can give my children and my husband the next best version of myself, I am making a commitment not to avoid the hard stuff.

May you combine the importance of this season with the natural movement within the universe and celebrate the totality of all things within yourself and your world. Let the commercialism of our culture exist among those who benefit from it and find another meaning for yourself in the season of Yule. Make sure to take every opportunity to expand your understanding of yourself and your spiritual deities. And may you find peace in all things, the light and the dark, the sadness and the hope at this time of year. Blessed Yule to you and to those with whom you share your love.

Spirit of the GiveAway

A Different tradition in Yule Gifts

by Anemone Webweaver

One of my missions in life is to shape a truly generous Pagan culture for the 21st century. A cornerstone of that culture is the GiveAway, modeled after lessons learned from my mentors in the First Nations. I celebrate that GiveAway with my partner, Merlin, all year long. It is especially appropriate at Yule. At a time when consumerism runs rampant, and the toy commercials start in the beginning of October, we need another vision of how things can be.

As a rule, my friends and I don’t charge for rituals, classes, healing, divination and a host of other services. When we do charge, the fee pays our costs and helps scholarship those who are unemployed or underemployed. Ours is not a path that focuses on holding power over others, nor one which seeks ownership and acclaim. I truly believe that if it doesn’t matter who gets the credit for success, there is no limit to what can be accomplished. Nor is ours a path in which wealth matters, though we believe in prosperity and having enough.

The point of existence is being—a difficult concept to learn. Being requires a curious quality called detachment. It doesn’t call for the biggest success in collecting the greatest number of toys or the biggest bank account. However, being also requires fiscal responsibility so one’s bills and taxes are paid. That is what is involved in following an ethical path and maintaining one’s integrity.

Because of this path of being, we are not easily manipulated by people who seek to flatter, criticize or wheedle us into their own agendas in hopes of forging a power base. It’s difficult to curry favor with us, because our favor means little in ordinary reality. We are also not easily angered, because we believe each person has a right to individual freedom. It isn’t our job to make people behave. On the other hand, we know that “nice matters.” It matters so much, that we point out the truth when things start to become, well ... not nice. All of this makes Merlin and me very frustrating people to be around, if one is dedicated to a hidden agenda or is simply walking in a rut not thinking about how this century is different from the last.

Our Yule Season is celebrated with these principles in mind. Our power is a shared power. Our goal is personal empowerment of each individual in the room. We love with an open hand so that we all come and go at will, drawn back together by the integrity of our spiritual community and our love that strives to believe the best of each other. Sometimes our trust in each other is tested by our struggles with honesty, tolerance and personal responsibility. If only we could remember that we alone decide who we will be, how we will feel, when we will make choices. Teachers and rituals give opportunity, but the events of our lives are chosen between the Self and Spirit. No one made you do it. Really, it was your idea.

For many years for the Yule Ritual, we brought unwrapped gifts for one another and placed them on the GiveAway Blanket. Sometimes we thought we knew who this present was for and what would be perfect for that person. But, we set them down with an open hand and walked away. We saw the truth of the matter when people circled around the gifts asking Spirit what was for them. The communication with Spirit confirmed that, yes, this is for you or no, it wasn’t, as a desired gift was chosen by someone else.

Miracles happened. One year, I had received a free gift of a lapis ring by a vendor, together with my mail order for family gifts. Too small for any of us, I placed it on the Blanket. Joan circled that Blanket many times before she picked it up, astonished it was for her. Lapis was her stone, and the ring was something she could never afford. Another time, a new person joined us for the Yule ritual. She came, hoping to have help in remembering her dreams. She left with a book on lucid dreaming, a pen, a blank book to write her dreams in, a scented oil for remembering dreams and an alarm clock in case she wanted to awaken at a special dream time.

Sometimes people wondered how many gifts to bring. Is it all right to bring found gifts of feathers, birds’ nests, or beautiful rocks? We encouraged people to bring gifts Spirit led them to choose. Found gifts, gently used gifts, homemade gifts are all superior to purchases made in a rush for Saturday night. Give the choice some thought. Bring one for the Unity of All Being. Or bring two for the God and the Goddess. Bring three for the Maiden, Mother, Crone or four for the Elementals. If you bring five for the points of the pentagram or six for the points of the hexagram, you celebrate our celestial energies. If your year is especially blessed, bring seven for the shamanic directions including above, below and center. Every act is a ritual. Every choice is meaningful. Then take home as many as you brought.

The GiveAway Blanket is a metaphor for our lives. We think we know what is best for ourselves and for the others. We’re certain the future lies in one direction or another. But the confirmation of that truth is found only when we stand up and walk the path, when we move out on faith in connection with Spirit. Our hands reach out to each other, and how they connect may indeed be a surprise. The outcome of ritual or living or loving should always include surprises.

Pagan people must continue to find new ways to relate to one another in the Spirit of the GiveAway, without claiming power over each other. It is important we share power with each other as we share our gifts, and remember to ask, “What do you think?” Then we must listen to the answer. It is of greatest importance that we empower each other to be new in living our spirituality, that we do not repeat old ways of being. We find the new ways for the Pagan culture of the 21st century.

In my family of mixed religions, we replaced the GiveAway and traditional gifts with donations to charity. Those who agree on a more global worldview join together to pick gifts through Heifer International¹. Those who want to keep their giving local select charities in their home city. In either case, this generosity is our GiveAway to the future.

Peace and Plenty²

by Lark

This is the night of the Winter Solstice, the night of Yule, the “Wheel.” For thousands of years, the celebrations of this season have been those of gateways, the magic of passages: journeys of the folk from one year to the next, journeys of the spirit from one world to the next, the magic of birth and death and of rebirth. And because life deserves more than mere survival and continuance, the magic of this season has always been that of peace and plenty, as well.

In the North, the months we know as December and January are called Freyja’s Nights of Darkness. The night before Yule is the Mother Night, and in darkness, the Lady labors to bring the Light to birth once more. The Young Sun is born at the Winter Solstice: Freyr the Lord, the Lady’s consort, who controls the work of sun and rain and brings fruitfulness to the fields. Freyja the Lady is reborn of Herself at Yule. Her blessing is invoked on all birthing women. A white candle that last burned on Mother Night is a charm for safe childbirth.

Horus of Egypt, whose sign is the winged sun, is born. Qetzalcoatl, the Aztec fiery Feathered Serpent, is born. Chango, the Yoruba and Santeria God of fire, is born. Mithras, the Unconquered Sun of Persia, is born. The Hopi Kachinas return to the Earth at this season. Juno Lucina, “the little light,” Goddess of the moon and midwinter sun, is born.

The Winter Solstice is the Druidic festival of stars, Alban Arthuan. The constellations Corona Borealis, Ursa Major and Cassiopeia are sacred to the Druids. So are the fixed stars Capella in the constellation Auriga, Castor in Gemini, Sirius in Orion, Arcturus in Bootes, Deneb in Cygnus and Alcyone in the Pleiades.

Celebrations of light begin weeks before the darkest night. Lucia, Saint or Goddess of light, is honored from Italy to Sweden, crowned with candles to carry us through the darkness. Neith, Egyptian Goddess of the moon, is invoked to light the long nights. Amaterasu of Japan, glorious Goddess of the sun, is born in the darkness before the solstice, Her hidden light growing stronger as the nights lengthen. The hearth fires of Hestia and Vesta are quenched then rekindled.

Justice is dispensed at this season. Women in Rome celebrated Bona Dea, the Good Goddess Fauna or Hekate, with a day of fair judgments and rejoicing, also honoring Cybele of the Lions and Rhea the Great Mother. In Japan, women celebrate the Festival of Broken Needles, leaving traditional women’s work for a day and reversing gender roles. Sapientia, Roman Goddess of wisdom, is worshipped at this season, as well as Pallas Athene of Greece and Sekhmet of Egypt, Goddess of the solar disk, defender and protector of Osiris.

The Three Queens of Heaven, Earth and the Underworld rule this season. Astarte or Ashtoreth had Her feast day just after the solstice. Sarasvati, Queen of Heaven in India, is honored at Yule. Hera Gamelia and Juno the Perfect One bless marriages in the first moon of the year. Mother Holle shakes Her feather bed and covers the earth with snow. She is Hel, the Dark Goddess, who holds power over nine realms and shares food and lodging with those who come to Her at the natural end of their cycles. Inanna of Sumer is born just after the solstice. Her dark sister Ereshkigal, Queen of the Underworld, offers to humans who show sympathy for birthing women the gifts of water, grain and rebirth.

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